Transport Scotland - information on housing development signage regulation on trunk roads: EIR release

Information requested

I am writing to request clarification on the actions currently being taken by Transport Scotland to manage the placement and regulation of housing development signage on Scotland’s trunk road network, with particular reference to the A702.

In recent months, there appears to have been a noticeable increase in the number of yellow roadside signs advertising new housing developments along this route. While I appreciate the commercial importance of such signage, their proliferation raises questions regarding road safety, visual impact, and compliance with existing regulations governing trunk roads.

I have included a photograph showing the situation at the Damhead junction on the A702 as one example of the scale and concentration of signage currently present. This example illustrates concerns around roadside clutter, driver distraction, and the apparent inconsistency in the management of these signs.

Given Transport Scotland’s responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the trunk road network, I would be grateful if you could provide detail on the following:
• The current policy or regulatory framework governing the placement of temporary or semi-permanent housing development signage on trunk roads.
• The process by which permission for such signage is granted, including any coordination with local authorities or planning bodies.
• The criteria used to assess safety implications, particularly in relation to driver distraction and roadside clutter.
• Any enforcement mechanisms in place to remove unauthorised or non-compliant signage.
• Details of any enforcement actions taken over the past three years in relation to unauthorised housing development signage on the trunk road network, particularly along the A702 corridor.
• The number of signs removed, notices issued, or other actions taken against developers or advertisers found to be in breach of the relevant regulations or permissions.
• Whether any recent reviews or planned changes to policy are being considered in response to increased signage, specifically along the A702 corridor.

This is an issue that directly affects both road users and the wider environment, and I would welcome greater transparency on how it is being managed and enforced.

Response

While you did not explicitly make your request under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, requests for environmental information are processed in line with the Regulations, and we are therefore treating your correspondence accordingly.

Q1. You requested the current policy or regulatory framework governing the placement of temporary or semi-permanent housing development signage on trunk roads.

A1. Developers can erect signage. Some local authorities will have policies on the use of the signs. In general, they are permitted on the trunk roads as long as they meet the requirements within The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (Page 316 of the document and Diagrams 2701 and 2701.1 refer to the specific direction. You can access this information here The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016

The signs should not block other road signs or affect visibility at junctions. Sometime developers will use the AA or RAC to provide the signage. If this is the case these organisations will contact Transport Scotland or the relevant Operating Company (OC) to request permission.

Q2. You requested the process by which permission for such signage is granted, including any coordination with local authorities or planning bodies.

A2. The local authority is responsible for determining applications, including those relating to housing developments that may involve signage affecting trunk roads. Transport Scotland (TS) is consulted on relevant applications as a statutory consultee and may provide advice or recommend planning conditions where the trunk road network could be affected.

Q3. You requested the criteria used to assess safety implications, particularly in relation to driver distraction and roadside clutter.

A3. There is a general requirement on all Operating Companies to reduce sign clutter. Where the OC Road Safety Teams define any signage to be a problem they take action to reduce clutter. This may also involve developer signs.

This should not be confused with illegal signage where separate enforcement powers may apply. Where unauthorised signage is identified, the owner is contacted and requested to arrange removal within a specified time frame. A copy of this correspondence may also be affixed to the signage to ensure visibility of the request. If the signage is not removed within the given period, a second letter is issued advising that removal action will be undertaken.

If removal becomes necessary, the OC will arrange for the signage to be taken down and stored, allowing the owner an opportunity to reclaim it. The method of removal will depend on the condition and location of the signage. Relevant parties, including Police Scotland where appropriate, may be notified in advance to ensure the process is carried out safely and without issue.

Where locations are subject to recurring issues, further rounds of monitoring and removal may be undertaken as required.

Q4. You requested details of Any enforcement mechanisms in place to remove unauthorised or noncompliant signage.

A4. Please refer to A3 for this information.

Q5. You requested details of any enforcement actions taken over the past three years in relation to unauthorised housing development signage on the trunk road network, particularly along the A702 corridor.

A5. In 2023 three advertising trailers were removed from the A702 in the Hillend area, with a further two removed by their owners following contact.

Q6. You requested the number of signs removed, notices issued, or other actions taken against developers or advertisers found to be in breach of the relevant regulations or permissions.

A6. We have assumed you are referring to the same time frame as Q5 and would refer you to A5 for this information.

Q7. You asked if any recent reviews or planned changes to policy are being considered in response to increased signage, specifically along the A702 corridor.

A7. The A702 will be subject to inspection to identify both illegal signage and developer-related signage. Where illegal signage is identified, correspondence will be issued to the relevant owners
requesting its removal.

In relation to developer signage, each case will be considered on its merits to determine whether it is reasonable for the signage to remain, taking into account location and potential impact on the trunk road network. BEAR Scotland will liaise with TS on these matters.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.